Democracy Cannot Thrive In Nigeria Without A Functional Opposition – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has come out to blast Nigeria’s current democratic system.

He recently had his say via his social media page, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, democracy cannot thrive without a functional opposition, and a lack of proportional representation in Nigeria’s legislature actually weakens accountability and distorts electoral outcomes.

Obi added that opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system because it ensures that the right things are done.

His words, “Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive. Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system. It ensures that the right things are done, holds the ruling party accountable, and offers alternative viewpoints.

In such systems, laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats. This helps maintain party discipline and preserves the sanctity of the electoral mandate.

But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence. This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.

What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality.

But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.”

WOW.